This is a white jade box in the shape of a waterfowl from the Qing dynasty, located at the Tokyo National Museum.
In China, male and female waterfowl represent a loving couple, while chicks and lotus flowers symbolize family prosperity. On top of that, the box itself represents love, since 'lotus' sounds like 'love.' While the hidden meaning might be difficult to decipher, don't worry—you can still enjoy this beautiful sculpture without knowing it!
China has a long history of crafting fine objects from jade and other gemstones while maximizing their original colors, a technique known in Chinese art as qiaose.
 |
| Box in shape of waterfowl, 19th century, Qing dynasty 白玉水禽形合子 清時代 |
 |
| Made from white jade 白玉製 |
To learn more about other qiaose carvings made from various stones during the Qing dynasty, please check out the following:
- Agate Goldfish
- Grapes
- Incense Burner
- Agate Pomegranate
- Waterfowl Shaped Box
- Rabbit Shaped White Jade Container
- Jadeite Carp
Posted on 2/5/2021
Revised on 10/26/2026
(If you wish to post your comment but don't have a Google account, select "anonymous" from the drop down menu titled "comment as"!)
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿